Annual Giving

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

• Q. Why does DSHA need unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund?

  Although tuition constitutes a majority of the school’s revenue, it covers just 76% of the actual cost of a DSHA education. Gifts to the DSHA Annual Fund provide the largest source of charitable income toward the education of our students. Meeting the goal of the DSHA Annual Fund is essential to the school's financial health and stability.

• Q. Who is asked to contribute to the DSHA Annual Fund?

  Through in-person visits, telephone calls, letters and emails we ask all members of our community each year to make a gift to the DSHA Annual Fund. Our donors include all the members of the DSHA Board of Directors, faculty and staff, alumnae, parents of students and alumnae, grandparents and other friends of DSHA. Increasing individual support is key to providing necessary funds for the school to operate.

• Q. When should I make my gift?

  DSHA runs on a fiscal year from July 1 – June 30. Gifts and pledges received earlier in the fiscal year allow the school to plan and prepare better for the next year. However, every gift received through June 30 will count toward the budgeted need for that year and will be recognized in DSHA’s annual report for that fiscal year.

• Q. How much should I give?

  We ask you to consider a gift that is personally meaningful. Every gift is important to our success and will make a difference for our students. Each gift makes a bigger impact when more members of our community contribute. You can help by encouraging other members of the DSHA community to join you in contributing to the DSHA Annual Fund. Gifts of $1,000 or more are vital to our ability to achieve our mission.
  
  DSHA ANNUAL FUND GIVING LEVELS
  

  LEADERS
  Angels	$50,000
  Saints	$20,000
  Disciples	$10,000
  Stewards	$5,000
  Guardians	$3,500
  Shepherds	$1,000
  BELIEVERS
  Red & Gold Club	$500
  Dasher Club	$250
  Spirit Club	up to $249

• Q. What happens if DSHA doesn’t reach its annual fundraising goals?

  Annual fundraising helps DSHA remain competitive and achieve the highest standards of excellence locally, statewide and nationally. Tuition alone is not enough to provide a DSHA education for our students. If annual fundraising falls short, difficult choices must be made by the DSHA Board of Directors, President and Administrative Team. Consequences can include the following:
  

  • Tuition increases at a greater pace.
  • Compensation for faculty and staff does not increase and may need to decrease.
  • Scholarship assistance decreases.
  • Enhancements of curriculum and facility maintenance are deferred.
  • Programs or staff may be eliminated.